Rome Beer Festival celebrates art of beer-making for tenth year

The tenth annual Rome Beer Festival, presented by the Foundry Growler Station, will return to Heritage Park on Saturday, Sept. 16, featuring over 150 types of beer from all over the globe. The sampling event will be held along the banks of the Coosa River from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m., and will also showcase local artists, vendors and live music.

Proceeds from the event benefit the programming of the Rome Area Council for the Arts (RACA), a non-profit organization that works to promote and celebrate the arts and their contributions to the Rome-Floyd County community.

“Each year we strive to showcase a wide variety of beers that you won’t find just anywhere,” said Erica Simpson, Event Director. “This event was created to highlight the craft and art of making beer, and bring together the die-hard aficionados, guests interested in learning more about the process, and those who just want to come to Downtown Rome and have a great time.”

The Foundry Growler Station is also sponsoring the fifth annual Home Brew Competition, which will honor the best homegrown IPAs, Ambers, Stouts and Porters. The winner of each category will be announced at the festival, and will receive a $100 gift card from the Foundry to use toward home brew supplies. Entries can be submitted at the Makervillage, 252 North 5th Ave, September 6th, 7th and 9th. For a full list of rules and a downloadable entry form required for registration, visit www.RomeBeerFest.com/HomeBrew.

Local musicians Brian Mullins, aka Muletide Perkins will perform as well as Whiskey Dixie and Jeremy Guider and Thomas Ryan of the Barbaric Yawps.

Food from Mellow Mushroom and Moe’s Original BBQ will be available for purchase at the event as well as cigars from Old Havana.

Look for live art demonstrations and as well as hidden art pieces by the Rome Knitterati.

General admission into the Rome Beer Festival is $35 per person if in advance, and includes a souvenir tasting cup. At the gate, general admission tickets will be available for $40. VIP tickets are offered at $70, and include early admission, a beer stein, merchandise gift certificate, access to the VIP area, and the opportunity to sample rare beers an hour before the event opens to the public at 12pm. The River Dog Paddle Co VVIP tickets for $100 include all the VIP benefits plus a private Brews Cruise on the Roman Holiday with hors d’oeuvres, beer sampling and beer expert on the tour. VVIP tickets are extremely limited. Designated driver tickets are available for $10 per person and include access to a non-alcoholic beverage station.
All tickets can be purchased online at www.RomeBeerFest.com. No one under 21 years of age will be admitted into the event. All attendees must present a valid form of identification for entry. Pets are not allowed at the festival.